The Joe Biden administration is poised to implement a new regulation aimed at tightening access to asylum along the US-Mexico border, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The regulation, expected to be issued imminently, seeks to reduce illegal crossings by requiring migrants to undergo an initial asylum screening to determine if they should be barred from asylum and swiftly deported.

The proposed rule, announced by the Joe Biden administration on Thursday, targets illegal immigrants deemed a public safety or national security threat, the New York Post reports.

It enables officials to apply for statutory denials of asylum earlier in the process, during the initial screening stage, which typically occurs within days of arrival at the border.

This expedited process would focus on individuals posing risks to national security or public safety.

A senior official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that while the rule would likely impact only a small population, it would provide a crucial tool for swiftly removing individuals deemed security risks, thereby enhancing border security and saving taxpayer resources.

Additionally, the administration announced revised guidance allowing asylum officers to consider whether applicants could relocate within their home countries as an alternative to seeking asylum in the United States.

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Administration Calls for Congressional Action

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reiterated the administration's commitment to addressing the immigration system's shortcomings, emphasizing that congressional action is essential for comprehensive reform.

Despite implementing various measures, including last year's broader asylum rule, which made illegal immigrants ineligible for asylum under certain conditions, the administration recognizes the need for systemic changes.

While the proposed rule represents a targeted approach to immigration policy, it has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers who accuse the administration of failing to address broader immigration issues effectively, according to Fox News.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green labeled the rule as politically motivated and insufficient in addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.

However, the administration contends that its actions demonstrate a commitment to US-Mexico border security and enforcement, citing over 720,000 removals or returns of illegal immigrants since May 2023.

Despite ongoing partisan debates, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed support for the administration's use of executive action to address immigration challenges in the absence of bipartisan legislation.

Concerns and Advocacy

While the proposed rule seeks to expedite the asylum process, concerns have been raised regarding its implementation challenges and potential implications for migrants' legal representation.

Some immigration advocates worry that the accelerated screening process may limit migrants' access to counsel and due process rights, Politico noted.

Progressive lawmakers have called for broader executive action to protect undocumented individuals and address systemic issues in the immigration system.

Meanwhile, efforts to revive bipartisan immigration legislation remain stalled, prompting calls for the administration to explore administrative solutions to the ongoing crisis.

The Joe Biden administration navigates complex immigration challenges; the proposed rule represents a targeted effort to address security concerns at the US-Mexico border while acknowledging the need for comprehensive legislative reform.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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